by JOHNSON CUMMINS

Just saw ZZ Top in Quebec City this past weekend, and I’m still reeling. I realize the mere mention of los très hombres guarantees hate mail from indie rockers who may occasionally peruse this column, but my sweet Allah, were they ever on fire. The MTV hits like “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man” were lumped together as a necessary evil, but the majority of the set zeroed in on material from when they were the boogie kings of the ’70s, with a special emphasis on early stuff like “Brown Sugar,” “Waiting For the Bus,” “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” and a mindblowing version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rattlesnake Shake.”

True entertainers throughout, it was really refreshing to see Dusty and Billy yank out “La Grange” and “Tush” for probably the millionth time, yet breathe new life into them with rearrangements. Truly inspirational to see this “little ol’ band from Texas” have such fun while playing with a sense of groove you can only achieve after being a band for over 35 years.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new improved Barfly, then head on down on Saturday and check out one of Montreal’s heavy hitters, Ashtray Heart. Even with the slightly gussied-up look, new stage, better sound system etc., Barfly’s really just the same ol’ swill joint, and continues to be one of the funnest places to see shows on the main. For my money, Ashtray Heart is one of the best blues-infused punk bands in the city right now, but as to why they remain unsung is beyond me. Opening are stoner dudes Dutch Oven and Tam, who are putting out a record on Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic Peace label, by the way.

Going toe to toe with the Barfly for live-music super-fun would be l’Escogriffe. This tiny hovel on St-Denis will be all elbows when Montreal one-man band sensation Bloodshot Bill lays waste on Saturday night. In the opening slot is... nobody, because he’s playing ALL FREAKIN’ NIGHT LONG! For those of you who have never seen this maelstrom of energy live, bring a lot of drinking money—you’re going to need it. Also happening on Saturday night is the Dans la Rue benefit at Casa del Popolo. Headlining are new Alien8 signees Kiss Me Deadly. If you haven’t checked ’em out yet, this will be your last chance before they blow up. Opening is the Acorn and As the Poets Affirm.

Along with Lamb of God, Arch Enemy could be called the current kings (and one queen) of power metal. If you saw them the last time Iron Maiden came to town, you know how devastatingly heavy they can get. They will crush you on Saturday at le Medley with the Haunted, the Black Dahlia Murders and It Dies Today opening.

Ex-Sebadoh dude Jason Lowenstein comes out of hiding on Monday at the all-ages-friendly El Salon. Lowenstein’s rockish counterpoint to Lou Barlow’s sappy whining was welcome on every Sebadoh release, so this should prove to be a not-to-miss show. Opening will be Jason Bajada, who makes it a busy week by also playing playing O Patro Vys on Wedneday along with In Flight Safety and Friday Morning’s Regret.

DEGUELLO! jonathan.cummins@gmail.com

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